Rupert Oswald Mattadeen

Rupert Oswald Mattadeen, aka “Buddy” and “Uncle Bud,” 85, passed away unexpectedly in Coconut Creek, Florida on June 12th, 2023. Rupert was born in St. Mary, Jamaica on March 8th, 1938, to Alfred and Lena Mattadeen.

In 1966, he migrated to Hartford, Connecticut to live with his older sister Petrona Mattadeen Jones and brother-in-law Samuel Nathaniel Jones. There he helped raise his nephews Christopher, V. Oliver, Peter, and nieces Judi & Jeralyn.

He started a career in custodial, maintenance, and operations for Macook Hospital and University of Hartford. In 1992, he proudly retired from the University of Connecticut Medical Center after working there for 25 years.

While in Hartford, Rupert married Cherry Maitland in 1981 and they had three children: David, Heather, and Brian. Rupert was an amazing father to his kids. He was very hands-on and very involved in their day-to-day activities. He loved going to the park, visiting zoos, and just simply being outdoors. He became known as the best babysitter to any child he watched!

Rupert and his family relocated to the sunshine state of Florida in 1993. He boasted about Coconut Creek having “Everything.” He loved how everything was close to home so he did not have to travel far. Two years later, Petrona and Sam followed in his steps and moved to Boca Raton. He felt complete having all his family in South Florida including his cousins who were nearby. Buddy’s door was always open. He welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm smile. He made sure to send them off with a taste of his delicious cooking or fruits from his kitchen. Rupert made everyone feel like family.

Buddy’s hobbies included fishing, cooking, and tending to his yard and fruit trees. His favorite trees were coconut, avocado, ackee, and mango. One of his greatest pleasures were making sure everyone was filled with food and laughter. Rupert was known for his tasty peas soup every Saturday and his delicious cooking. A visit with Buddy always started with a fascinating story and ended with a game of dominoes.

For all those who had the honor and privilege of being an acquaintance of Buddy knows the amazing and caring guy he was. Everyone will miss him, especially his only granddaughter, Sienna. In lieu of flowers, consider planting a tree or starting a garden to keep Rupert’s memory alive.

A visitation for Rupert will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. A reception will occur Friday, June 23, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 23, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rupert's memory may be made.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Mattadeen family.